Permanent secretaries, as senior administrative officials who fall under the Council of Ministers, play a key role in implementing state policy and in the overall administrative operation of the state. However, recent developments in three deputy ministries raise legitimate questions over the uniformity, consistency and institutional coherence of decisions taken either by the Council of Ministers or by the relevant ministers and deputy ministers, particularly when individuals holding such posts are under criminal or disciplinary investigation.
More specifically, the permanent secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, Yiannis Nicolaides, in his former capacity as director of the Road Transport Department, is under criminal investigation over the fatal Takata airbag case. However, it was not deemed necessary to suspend him and he remains in his post, despite the fact that two young people have already died because of the specific airbags: 24-year-old Kyriakos Oxinos on January 24, 2023, and 19-year-old Styliani Georgalli on October 21, 2024.
At the same time, the permanent secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Neophytos Papadopoulos, was suspended last Friday by the Public Service Commission for a period of three months over an alleged disciplinary offence under investigation concerning negligence of duty. This highlights a different approach both by the Council of Ministers, under which permanent secretaries fall, and by the political heads, in this case Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis. It is an approach that raises questions, as it appears that double standards are being applied.
Suspicions of selective treatment are further strengthened in the case of a third permanent secretary, Giorgos G. Papageorgiou of the Deputy Ministry of Culture, who is the husband of Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki. Complaints against the official are pending, as confirmed on Monday on Politis radio by PASYDY general secretary Stratis Matthaiou. Despite the seriousness of the complaints, which Politis understands concern inappropriate conduct towards subordinates and others, the procedures provided for their investigation have not so far been activated. This further reinforces the impression of selective treatment by the Council of Ministers and the competent institutional bodies.
The question that arises is why disciplinary procedures are activated immediately in some cases, while in others no corresponding mobilisation by the competent authorities is observed.
Concern Within PASYDY
Referring to the case of the permanent secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Neophytos Papadopoulos, Matthaiou told Politis radio that the matter is of concern to PASYDY, noting that the ease with which a permanent secretary was suspended has caused concern. He stressed that the roles of ministers and permanent secretaries must remain distinct, pointing out that political heads set policy, while senior public officials are responsible for legality and implementation. He also confirmed that complaints exist against the permanent secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Culture.
